The Parliament of Sierra Leone has laid the Safe Motherhood Bill in the well on Monday, 16th December 2024. Among numerous other benefits, this bill will guarantee prenatal and post-care support for women and girls and provide critical reproductive services for their well-being.
Deputy Minister of Health, Jalikatu Muspha, said, “This is a landmark bill that will transform health care for women and girls in the country.”
The bill comes to the floor following years of consultations with critical groups, including civil society, women, activists, and media.
Members of Parliament have so far been receptive to the document, with the Female Caucus coming out strongly to voice their support for the bill following extensive engagements.
Honorable Wuyatta Songa, Chair of the Health Committee and a member of the caucus, said, “This bill is long overdue; our women and girls are dying, and we have to find a way to save them. This bill will ensure that, and as women we are happy for it and will support it to pass.”
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said the government has been deliberate about engagement, and it will continue even after passing the bill.
“We have ensured that we engage everyone that is critical to the passing of this bill, but even beyond that we want to continue to take this document round the country and educate our fellow citizens on its importance,” Minister Bah said.
The bill has now been taken to the Legislative Committee to follow the normal parliamentary process. Among a number of things, the bill seeks to improve and guarantee the quality of care women can get when they are pregnant. The bill will also guarantee access to professional services for reproductive health.
